Human Journey

Race for Water launches its second Odyssey

After the first shocking findings – that a global clean-up of the oceans was now unrealistic – during the Race for Water Odyssey completed in 2015, Race for Water is mobilizing again and launching a second expedition focused on a five-year program (2017 -2021). The new Odyssey will take place on board a unique vessel: the “Race for Water” catamaran (formerly Planet Solar), which is 100% self- sufficient, thanks to its ability to harness both solar energy and hydrogen technologies, developed and produced by the Foundation’s partner company, Swiss Hydrogen. Acting as an ambassador boat for the program, “Race for Water” will serve as an educational platform, travelling laboratory and a working demonstration of Clean-tech innovations.

In the service of science… Founded in 2010, the Race for Water Foundation has developed a water conservation program around its three founding pillars: #LEARN – #SHARE – #ACT. During the first Race for Water Odyssey in 2015, the Foundation’s teams focused on the LEARN and SHARE pillars. That was because it was important to determine the actual extent of plastic pollution and the degree of awareness of the affected communities, in order to identify innovative and effective solutions to address this global issue. After traveling 32,000 nautical miles, visiting three oceans and five major waste concentration areas (called a “Gyre” or “Vortex”), making 16 stops, collecting and analyzing 15,420 pieces of macro-waste and 196,250 micro-plastic particles, the conclusion was clear: a large-scale clean-up of the oceans is unrealistic.

Based on these first findings, the Foundation has set the course for a second expedition, which aims to continue the work begun in 2015 and develop the third ACT pillar of the program. On board the “Race for Water” catamaran, the crew will make stopovers in areas of interest for scientific research where they can also take advantage of events of global significance. This will enable them to reach the widest possible audience in order to promote practical solutions for the collection of plastic waste on land and to also combat the pollution of our oceans. Over five years, they will visit three major areas of study as follows: – 2017-2018: Caribbean / East Pacific Zone : America’s Cup – 2018-2020: Pacific / Oceania / Asia Zone : Tokyo Olympics – 2020-2021: Middle East / Mediterranean Zone : Expo Dubai

… and energy transition To showcase what is possible during this second world expedition, the Foundation has the first demonstrator vessel in the world using only clean and renewable energy for its fuel and for maintaining life on board. Indeed, thanks to the expertise of Swiss Hydrogen, the “Race for Water” catamaran will be equipped technology to extend its range using hydrogen technology as an energy source. This completely clean supplementary energy, stored as compressed hydrogen gas, will be generated by using surplus energy produced by the solar generator. The hydrogen will be produced on board by electrolysis (splitting the H₂O water molecule) from seawater that can be collected and desalinated during navigation. This on-board system will enable the vessel to quadruple its range. Independent on land and at sea, the H₂ version of this solar vessel, is free from all forms of fossil fuel and has become a showcase of “Clean-tech” innovations and energy transition by offering pragmatic, realistic and modern solutions. A unique hosting platform with no impact on the environment, the “Race for Water” boat is an exceptional hosting platform. With two laboratories (Dry-Lab and Wet-Lab), 90m² of modular workspace with communication and transmission systems (wifi, satellite and optical), the catamaran offers optimum working conditions for researchers from around the world. As a true travelling laboratory, this platform will host research work by universities and international groups so that they can deepen their knowledge on the macro and micro plastics in the most relevant study areas (the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of California, Sargasso Sea, South China Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea etc.).

Equally useful as an educational tool and communication medium, the “Race for Water” boat will transform into an exhibition zone, conference centre, reception venue, leading educational facility and even a TV studio – to raise large-scale awareness among the public and institutions about the need for the preservation of water. Taking advantage of the media already on site, “Race for Water” will stop in Bermuda for the America’s Cup, in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic Games and in Dubai for the World Expo. This Odyssey in the service of the oceans, science and energy transition is scheduled to depart in April 2017.

Marco Simeoni, President and Founder of the Race for Water Foundation: “With this second Odyssey, the Race for Water Foundation is continuing its commitment to the fight against plastic pollution and stepping up its efforts. After the bitter conclusion from 2015, we hope to inject some positive momentum into the cause of the preservation water. Today, no one can deny that rational and cost-effective solutions can be put in place to conserve water, and that’s the whole purpose of this new global expedition.”

Gérard d’Aboville, Captain of the “Race for Water” boat:“I am delighted to contribute to a new scientific expedition in the service of the oceans. Setting out on this solar / hydrogen hybrid boat and getting it around safely is a nautical and technological challenge that I’m delighted to be taking part in. The enthusiasm that the catamaran generates at every stopover promises some fruitful exchanges between all those aware of the changes in the maritime world.”

Alexander Closset, President of Swiss Hydrogen SA: “As a partner of the Race for Water Foundation since July 2015, this new global expedition is a turning point in our collaboration on the conservation of water. By contributing our expertise in the area of hydrogen technologies and equipping the catamaran with a production unit, we are facing a new technological challenge in mobility and in the extreme conditions posed by the marine environment. Together, we look forward to showing the potential of these clean energy solutions and to supporting research and outreach projects hosted by the Race for Water Foundation.”

Race for Water remains committed and head back to sea with the Race for Water Odyssey : a 5-year expedition around the world dedicated to science and energy transition, using the ocean, the sun and the wind as its sole sources of energy.

The Race for Water Foundation is an organization dedicated to the preservation of water and the ocean in particular. This indispensable resource is under massive threat from plastic pollution and must be protected. The Foundation aims to identify, promote and implement solutions that will give end-of-life plastic a value and create new sources of income for the people most affected by pollution. Using this innovative approach inspired by the principles of a circular economy and social entrepreneurship, Race for Water Foundation seeks to prevent plastic litter from reaching waterways and leaking all the way down to the ocean.

Meet the Author

The Race for Water Foundation is an organization dedicated to the preservation of water and the ocean in particular. This indispensable resource is under massive threat from pollution and must be protected. The Foundation aims to identify, promote and implement technological solutions to preserve the ocean. Race for Water remains committed and head back to sea with the Race for Water Odyssey : a 5-year expedition around the world dedicated to science and energy transition, using the ocean, the sun and the wind as its sole sources of energy

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About the Blog

Researchers, conservationists, and others share stories, insights and ideas about Our Changing Planet, Wildlife & Wild Spaces, and The Human Journey. More than 50,000 comments have been added to 10,000 posts. Explore the list alongside to dive deeper into some of the most popular categories of the National Geographic Society’s conversation platform Voices.

Opinions are those of the blogger and/or the blogger’s organization, and not necessarily those of the National Geographic Society. Posters of blogs and comments are required to observe National Geographic’s community rules and other terms of service.